The Karthigai Deepam festival celebrated at the revered Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswarar temple, commenced with traditional flag hoisting on November 17. Over the ensuing days, the Panch murthis, representing various deities, graced processions on intricately adorned chariots and vahanas, including the temple car. The culmination of the festival unfolded with the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam, a momentous event drawing devotees from far and wide.
On the auspicious morning of the Karthigai Deepam festival on November 26, the Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswarar temple opened its doors for special Abishegam and Dheeparathanai. At 4:00 am, the Bharani deepam was ceremoniously lit inside the shrine, followed by a yagam at the Artha Mandapam, where twenty Bharani deepams were ignited by Saiva priests.
The highlight of the evening was the lighting of the maha deepam atop the hill precisely at 6 pm. Devotees joyfully witnessed the procession of deities, including Lord Vinayaka, Lord Muruga, Valli, Deivanai, Lord Annamalaiar, Unnamulaiamman, Parasakthi, and Chandikeswarar. The fervor reached its peak as the maha deepam, powered by over 3,500 kg of ghee, illuminated the Anamalai Hills.
The exclusive privilege and right to light the maha lamp atop the hill belong to the Parvatha Raja kula lineage, a tradition upheld with utmost reverence. The wick of the deepam, measuring over 300 meters, was meticulously crafted with a special cloth and inserted into a copper cauldron.
Following the lighting ceremony, devotees embarked on the sacred girivalam (circumambulation) of the hill, marking the continuation of the spiritual festivities. The Karthigai Maha Deepam, a symbol of Lord Shiva’s appearance as Jyotirlinga, is expected to burn for more than 11 days, with thousands of kilograms of pure ghee contributing to the luminous spectacle.
With tight security arrangements in place, thousands of devotees, both from India and abroad, gathered to witness the divine event. The Thiruvannamalai Karthigai Deepam stands not only as a religious celebration but also as a cultural and communal manifestation of unwavering faith and devotion.
